Queensway Secondary overcome Fairfield Methodist in South Zone basketball

Story and Pictures by Koh Yizhe

CCAB, Friday, 6 February 2009 - Queensway Secondary School survived a nervous second quarter to easily beat Fairfield Methodist Secondary School 85-50 in a B Division Boys South Zone Basketball Championship Group A match.

Fairfield came into this match with a 100% percent record and after beating Balestier Hill Secondary and St. Andrew's. Queensway had lost against Catholic High but defeated Balestier Hill Secondary and were looking for their second win of the tournament.

Queensway had the best of starts from tip off as they made their size count against their physically smaller opponents. Rebounds were won without difficulty with the 1.95m #10 Jia Jun and they went on an 8-0 run to start the first quarter.

Fairfield, on the other hand, had to rely on their quick movements to get their points. However, their passing was awful at the start as they looked uncomfortable with the ball, resulting in many turnovers.

Queensway ended the quarter with a healthy six point lead at 20-14.

It was a totally different second quarter as Fairfield resumed the match with renewed vigour. A series of quick breaks by Ho Hao Yang (#12) and Desmond Heng (#11) slowly reduced Queensway lead. Each time they lost the ball, Fairfield would harass the opposing players till they got it back.
With only three minutes remaining in the second quarter, Fairfield took the lead for the first time in the match at 29-28.

This woke Queensway up as they began to get their game together. Using their intensity of the Fairfield players against them, the Queensway players were able to draw plenty of fouls and convert them into points. By the half, Queensway had restored their slender lead at 35-33.

The third quarter belonged to Queensway as they limited their opponents to just four points while they scored a massive 31 points. They had the best of starts with a 15-0 run as Johan Yeo (#12) made numerous layups with great movement around the court. Collin Tan (#6) also contributed to the points as he rained three-pointers down on Fairfield's basket.

There was no turning back as Queensway took a 66-37 lead into the final quarter.

Much of the same followed in the final 10 minutes as Queensway maintained their high level of play. Fairfield, in contrast, had trouble keeping up as they failed to grab any rebounds they came their way. Sloppy play also plagued their game which allowed Queensway to extend their lead.

Queensway easily finished the match by a massive 35-point victory at 85-50.

With the win, Queensway now has five points from three games. Fairfield are level with Queensway on points, but will face defending champions Catholic High on Wednesday.

Editor’s note: If you recognise yourself or your teammates in any of the photos, feel free to leave the names behind in the comments section and we will update accordingly. Thanks!